25 Gamecube Games That Should Be on the Wii U's Virtual Console

I've been meaning to write another blog here, but haven't gotten
around to it. Well, time to fix that. The Wii U is a great system, one
that I recommend to anyone, and Virtual Console is a great service. The
Gamecube, now two generations old, should qualify to have games added to
the VC catalog. As someone who's first Nintendo console was a Gamecube,
I can say the machine is absolutely superb; better than every Gen 7
system, at least in my opinion. The comfortable controller, the powerful
hardware, amazing software, and sturdy design make this console a great
one. However, only around 25 million units were sold, easily making it
Nintendo's least selling console. Even though Nintendo hasn't announced
anything about Gamecube games being on VC, many people missed out on
some Gamecube games, and if they're added to Virtual Console, that can
be corrected. So here are my 25 nominees to be added to the VC Menu from
the Gamecube, in no specific order of course:

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Ah yeah, this game. The first Zelda with Toon Link, sea exploration, and
well, the first one that a lot of people missed. LoZ is a great series,
one of the most highly revered in the industry. Even if it weren't
missed by many, this would be a strong addition to Virtual Console.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

Oh
god. This is the game you bought a GBA-GCN cable connector for, isn't
it? Well, even if you didn't, the game is pretty good. However, the need
of a Gamecube, four GBAs (with connector cords), and controllers made
this game hard to legitimately enjoy. With new tech, this game might
finally get the treatment it deserves.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with Master Quest

BEFORE
YOU SAY "CUBE, IT'S ALREADY ON VC!!!!1", it isn't. Well, technically it
is, but not this version. Initially a pre-order bonus for Wind Waker,
this newer version boasted (slightly) improved graphics, and a new "hard
mode" difficulty branded Master Quest, which is also in the 3DS remake.
This would be a great purchase for Zelda fans who want hard mode, but
not a 3DS.

Pikmin

This
launch-window game from the great gaming guru, Shigeru Miyamoto, is a
great one. Featuring fun strategy, up-tempo gameplay, entertaining
puzzles, and a bunch of charm, this game is one that caters to gamers of
all ages. As long as you love playing games, you'll love this. Also,
since Pikmin 3 is releasing soon, this could be a great refresher course
for players.

Pikmin 2

Many
fans of the original argue that this game is better. Many fans of the
original prefer the original. Despite arguments over which is the
superior, pretty much any fan of the series loves this game. The
gameplay refined and the clock exterminated, this game is more inviting
to players than the first game. Likewise for the first game, this could
help people catch up on the returning series.

Super Mario Sunshine

Much
like the Galaxy games and the industry-changing Super Mario 64, SMS
provides great, fun platforming. However, this game is a little
untraditional for the highly-regarded series. The FLUUD is this
water-based machine that almost all of the platforming is focused on,
and while some fans argue that is a nice change, others disagree. Still,
releasing this divisive game on VC would be a good addition.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Personally,
I think this is the best Mario Kart game, and the second best racing
game of all-time (Crash Team Racing FTW!). Incorporating co-op, new
abilities, and changes to the normal Mario Kart gameplay, this fantastic
game has the best level designs and music in the series.

Metroid Prime

When
this game was revealed, people lost their s***. The very concept of
turning one of the best series in gaming into a FPS infuriated people.
In the end, however, it was not only one of the best Metroid of
Nintendo-published games of all-time, but of the industry all together.
The developers of the now-famous Retro Studios basically took the
beloved Super Metroid, made it 3D, and added some of their own flair.
The end result was a game that shouldn't be missed by any gamer.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

While
certainly not as good as Samus' first 3D outing, the interesting story
gave the gameplay some, well, interesting twists. The concept of the
light and dark Aether made traveling risky and exciting at the same
time. While it isn't a necessity, it would be a good title to add to VC.

Luigi's Mansion

Luigi has
always been the third wheel of the Mario series. There's Mario, and
Bowser, and then there's that weird sidekick in the green suit. Well, in
Luigi's Mansion, he is no longer a sidekick (even though he asks for
Mario's help a bunch in it). Garnering very positive reviews, this
launch title would be very good for prepping people who are going to
play Dark Moon, and people who love Ghostbusters 1.

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

People who
look at the early footage of Pokemon X and Y and think "WHY 3D?????
POKEMON WOULDN'T WORK IN 3D!", well then look here. This is a great game
that changes up the standard Pokemon formula. You basically play as a
Pokemon Robber in a 3D world. Some things found in the DS titles
originate here. Pokemon enthusiasts can't miss this game.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

This game is
easily the best Gamecube title, as well as my favorite. Changing the
original by adding in a lot of match options minigames, a roster that is
more than doubled over the original, and more precise gameplay, this
launch-window game is one that fighting fans have to play.

F-Zero GX

F-Zero
is primarily a racing series based around Captain Falcon. The most
recent console entry in the series, it boasts great visuals (for the
time), crisp driving, and fun tracks. Adding it to VC would get a lot
more people into the series and the game.

Animal Crossing

The
animal crossing series is one of Nintendo's more recently created ones,
but it's notoriety is still high. In case you didn't know, the game is
about expanding your house is a village full of animals. But the cool
thing is is that the game changes depending on the time and day of the
Gamecube's internal clock. The game also changes when you're not
playing. Now that's f***ing cool.

Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes

I
don't even need to tell you that the original Metal Gear Solid is
great. Well, Twin Snakes is a remake, with updated controls, some
Nintendo-themed Easter Eggs, and MUCH better graphics. By getting
Konami's permission to put it on VC, it could introduce young gamers,
people who missed it, and people who want to play it again to the game.

Kirby Air Ride

This
game might not be the most critically acclaimed racing game, or Kirby
game for that matter, but it's one of my favorite Gamecube games.
Featuring three racing modes, two of which I'll mention here (a top-down
mode that's meh, and a normal racing mode that's good. There's also
some fantastic minigames), it offers a lot of variety. Now here's the
best part of the game: the City Trial mode. In this mode, 1-4 players
(If you don't want to do multiplayer, you can have bots) go out into a
city grinding for 3-7 minutes, and afterwards they play a minigame.
However, it's a lot better than it sounds. In the city, players can find
pieces of Legendary Air Ride machines that they can drive on. One of them is even in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

This
is a psychological survival horror published by Nintendo, but developed
by Silicon Knights. Nintendo's first game that they published to
receive an M rating, this game is weird. However, it's great. It uses
"Sanity Effects" to intensify gameplay. It can lower due to various
things, as well as raise due to various things, and the farther down it
is in the bar, the more odd effects occur. Fans of the MGS games will
recognize some voice actors, such as Jennifer Hale (who also does
FemShep) and David Hayter.

REmake

The first Resident Evil is a great game. It changed the young Survival Horror genre, and many survival horror games try to emulate that (Sadly, none of them are RE games...).
Well, REmake is better. The gameplay? Improved. The voice acting?
Improved. The graphics? VASTLY IMPROVED. If Nintendo were to get this
game on VC, they'd be making a smart choice.

Resident Evil 4

This RE game is the first of the "modern" RE games. Essentially a reboot in the series, gameplay changes dramatically. That doesn't mean it's bad, though. It's still very responsive and fun, and the game still provides some scares. Even though it's not a Gamecube exclusive anymore, it's fun. Play this game one way or another.

Killer 7

Like RE4, this game was part of the Capcom 5, a plan Capcom had to release 5 games on the Gamecube and with exclusivity. While that plan didn't go as planned, it did have some great games in it. Killer 7 is a wacky, cel-shaded game from Suda 51 with an intriguing story and great gameplay. While it's certainly not a revered game, it's an interesting one.

Resident Evil Zero

RE:0 is a prequel of the original that released less than a year after REmake. It's great graphics (for it's time), tight gameplay, and revealing story make this a great game to play for fans of the genre and of the series. Especially since a lot of RE fans didn't play it.

Viewtiful Joe

Another Capcom 5 game that ended up on the PS2 as well, this beat-em-up style game has an unoriginal story that sucks players in. It's literally stripped from an Arnold Shwarzenegger movie. Nevertheless, it's gameplay is a good change for long-time gamers. The 2.5D-ish graphics are also a nice detour. While it isn't an exclusive anymore, Nintendo and Capcom would be wise to add this to VC.

Mario Power Tennis

Even though it's not the first Mario sports game, or Mario Tennis game for that matter, it's entertaining. In it, players can earn special tennis strikes to add extra power to their swings. If that sounds a little too fake for you, then you can turn it off. Minigames and tournaments add to the great package, and multiplayer with friends is equally as awesome.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

This Zelda game is easily the most photo-realistic in the series, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Link's journey in TP features amazing dungeons, a good story, fantastic music (maybe the best Hyrule Field theme), and most importantly, NO MOTION CONTROLS.